The Best Actor in the Vase of Meiyu

Chapter 1819 Relaxed State

The situation is a little tricky.

After a short break, the crew resumed filming, but the situation did not improve as if by magic; in fact, it got worse.

We had to do seven takes, spending a full forty minutes on this, but there was still no progress.

In my imagination, what follows should be the typical wish-fulfillment story: after a short rest and adjustment, I return to the set and work proceeds smoothly, completing the filming in no time. However, real life is often not like that. There is no guarantee of development or progress. They will always encounter setbacks, and after each setback, there will be more setbacks.

Worse still, there is no prospect of improvement at present.

The crew remained somewhat silent; no one said anything to Ansen, because no one dared. But whether they were gossiping behind his back was beyond Ansen's jurisdiction.

However, in this situation, no one was more anxious or worried than Anson himself.

Whether as a producer or an actor, he needs to get into character and complete his work, but things are often like this: haste makes waste.

The more anxious you are and the more effort you exert, the worse the result often becomes, and you may even lose control completely and slide into the abyss of darkness.

This should be the most challenging task Anson has faced since entering Hollywood, not so much the difficulty of the performance itself, but more the stripping away of his previous state of mind.

Now, Anson needs to calm down, but the problem is that his restlessness and anxiety are beyond his control; he can't calm down just by wanting to.

Looking up, Anson saw Emmanuel directly in front of him, carrying a camera and staring at him expressionlessly.

Emmanuel did not condemn or despise, nor did he get angry. He simply demonstrated his professionalism diligently, but this professionalism made Anson feel ashamed.

Anson thought for a moment, "Director?"

Alfonso Cuarón, who had been sitting in the back, hidden behind the monitor and out of sight, stood up dazedly when he heard the call. "Yes!"

Anson's lips curled up slightly. "How about we call it a day? Everyone take a rest and relax for the night. We'll continue tomorrow."

It was noticeable that the tense atmosphere above the film crew relaxed.

In film crews, such situations are commonplace: a whole day's work yields nothing, or even two or three days pass without any progress; or a month's worth of hard work is rendered useless due to a change in creative vision, forcing the crew to start from scratch and begin all over again.

The pressure and difficulties are always there, the same for all film crews; the key is how to deal with them.

But for these working people, the only thought in their minds is to go home after get off work.

Anson thought it was the right choice.

Alfonso did not respond. Instead, he left the monitor, walked through the crowd, came to Anson, pulled up a low stool, and sat down diagonally opposite Anson.

"Anson, are you alright?"

Anson choked, then gave a wry smile. "No, I'm not alright, Director. Thank you for your concern."

Alfonso nodded slightly. "If you're not feeling well, then we'll end it early, go back and rest for a night, and tomorrow will be a brand new day."

Anson could hear the sincerity in Alfonso's voice. "Director, don't you think we should end it here today?"

Alfonso shook his head. "No, I think we're progressing well, everything's on track. Isn't it just because you're tired?"

Anson: ..."Going smoothly? Director, are you serious?"

Alfonso replied sincerely, "Of course."

For once, Anson was at a loss for words.

Alfonso scratched his head. "It takes time for an actor to find their character and rhythm in a performance, and I think you've been on the right track."

“When we were filming Harry Potter, working with children was a challenge because they didn’t know what they were doing. Sometimes we needed to communicate through the parents, and sometimes we needed the children to communicate with each other. But sometimes the communication was fruitless and there was no solution.”

"The key point is that we don't know what to do except wait."

"But you have the answer."

“You know what you’re doing, and you know the direction and the goal. You’re just groping your way forward. I believe we’re still on the right track.” His words were unhurried and measured, and one could even sense the warm smile in Alfonso’s voice.

It's clear he was serious; it wasn't just polite small talk.

Alfonso shrugged slightly and gave a shy smile.

"Besides, I've been at home for far too long. I miss the film set, and I hope to work on it. I love the atmosphere and environment here."

"If I could, I would like to stay a little longer."

"I have no reason to complain."

Anson's lips curled into a slight smile. "You believe I have the answer?"

Alfonso looked into Anson's eyes. "Of course, I believe you."

Anson didn't speak, but a warm feeling flowed through his heart, quietly calming his restlessness and unease.

Alfonso, oblivious, looked directly at Anson. "It was like this when you came to me to discuss this project. You had the answer, not just for the character, but for the film. Otherwise, why do you think I agreed to this job?"

Anson tilted his head. "Because you don't have a job."

Alfonso gave a restrained and shy smile, and chuckled softly twice.

Anson's expression froze. "Director, this should be a joke. What do you think I am if you don't respond?"

Haha, hahaha.

Beside him, Michael Caine laughed wildly.

Alfonso remained sincere. "I don't mind, because that's the truth. I don't have a job and I need a job, that's a fact; I think you're the perfect executor of this project, that's also a fact. The two don't conflict, but when they come together, everything is perfect."

“I love everything that’s happening right now, including the time I spent on set today.”

"I know this is a difficult project and a difficult role, but we've all explored and adventured together, haven't we?"

A simple and pure happiness, without any unnecessary thoughts, is an emotion that is contagious.

Anson felt it; it was so hot and so turbulent that it almost burned his heart.

Anson: "Director, do you believe we're on the right track?"

Alfonso nodded. "I believe you."

Anson was about to say something, but the words got stuck in his throat. A variety of flavors swirled on his tongue before he swallowed them all. He changed his mind and said, "How about we try one more time?"

"Ten minutes? Fifteen minutes at most?"

Alfonso replied cheerfully, "Of course, no problem. If you can maintain your condition. Are you sure? You really don't need to rest?"

Anson chuckled, "You sound like Luca."

Alfonso was puzzled.

Anson's smile widened further. "Yes, I'm sure."

After saying that, Anson raised his right hand. "Guys, I want to try again. Sorry for the delayed closing time, but dinner tonight is on me."

Anson's words calmed the restless mood that was about to leave work, and one by one, they started to tease each other, making the atmosphere on set seem a little more relaxed.

The thought of leaving get off work early lasted less than three minutes before they obediently picked up their equipment, stood at their posts, and continued working.

Sure enough, leaving get off work early is just a distant illusion.

(End of this chapter)